Product Development Food Scientist

About the role

Mizkan America is a subsidiary of the Mizkan Group, a global, family-owned company. We are seeking an R&D Scientist to join our vibrant, cross-functional team at Mizkan America Research & Development. The ideal candidate will lead product development initiatives within our Flavor Enhancers portfolio.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop new product formulations, lead portfolio renovation, and address customer product needs across sauces and meal solutions.
• Execute the full development cycle, including feasibility assessments, prototype development, costing, benchtop and pilot plant trials, supervision of plant trials, recipe and plant documentation, label development, technical approval, shelf-life assessment, and technical support for initial plant production.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring adherence to commercial timelines.
• Build strong relationships and collaborate with internal and external partners to optimize product development, evaluate technical problems, and recommend corrective actions.
• Perform other duties assigned that support the overall success of the team, department, or organization.

Requirements

• Solid grounding in food chemistry, ingredient functionality, formulation science, and food processing technology.
• Proficiency in benchtop and pilot-scale prototyping, costing, shelf-life evaluation, and commercialization experience.
• Working knowledge of Design of Experiments (DOE) and analytical/sensory testing methods.
• Strong written and verbal communication with the ability to influence across all levels of the organization.
• Effective project management, organization, and prioritization across concurrent assignments.
• Analytical thinking and structured problem-solving.
• Collaborative, adaptable, and comfortable pivoting as business needs change.
• Product lifecycle management (PLM) and formulation/specification systems.
• Microsoft Office suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) for data analysis, documentation, and presentations.

Skills/Competencies

• BS/MS in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Minimum 3 years of experience required in a technical function, or food related role.
• Understanding of food chemistry, analytical testing, formulations, and processing used in food manufacturing.
• Product development and commercialization experience.
• Understanding of ingredient functionality and interrelationship of ingredients and process.
• Strong communication skills, organizational, problem solving and analytical skills.
• Good interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with individuals and groups at all levels of the organization.
• Strong understanding of Design of Experiments.
• Willingness and flexibility to adapt to changing business needs and deadlines.
• Ability to exhibit a professional businesslike appearance and demeanor.

Education/Experience/Qualifications/Certifications

• BS/MS in Food Science, Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Minimum 3 years of experience required in a technical function, or food related role.
• Understanding of food chemistry, analytical testing, formulations, and processing used in food manufacturing.
• Product development and commercialization experience.
• Understanding of ingredient functionality and interrelationship of ingredients and process.
• Strong communication skills, organizational, problem solving and analytical skills.
• Good interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with individuals and groups at all levels of the organization.
• Strong understanding of Design of Experiments.

Compensation & Benefits

• The annual salary range is $84,900 - $100,000.
• Note: Compensation is based on a number of factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills and experience.